Patellar Tendonitis, Tendinosis, Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)

Definition: Overuse condition frequently associated with eccentric overloading during deceleration activities (repeated jumping and landing, downhill running) (Dutton). Most often caused by tightness in the quadriceps muscles, body alignment can also predispose one to this condition with wide hips, knock knees and flat foot (University of Connecticut).

Subjective: (University of Connecticut)

Insidious onset of anterior knee pain

Ache

Pain or tenderness, around the patellar tendon especially where attaches to the patella

Swelling in the area (patellar tendon)

Pain with activities (jumping, running, walking)

May worsen with downhill walking or descending stairs

Objective: (Dutton)

Collect history details

Carefully palpate the tendon in both flexion and extension

Pain on palpation near patellar insertion is present in both patellar and quadriceps tendonitis

Intervention:

Conservative techniques include:

RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) for acute presentations

Stretching

Eccentric strengthening

Bracing (Dutton).

Address alignment issues if necessary (University of Connecticut).

Limit chronic inflammation and degeneration by working on both sides of the problems:

tissue strength should be maximized through proper training

adequate healing time must be allowed before returning to full participation (Dutton).

Surgical intervention is usually required only if significant tendinosis develops and is successful in the majority of cases (Dutton).